Delhi's Post-Diwali Air Quality Crisis: Fireworks and Smog

Delhi's air quality plunged into the 'very poor' category, with an AQI of 352 following Diwali celebrations marked by firecracker use beyond legal limits. Despite Supreme Court regulations, many residents flouted the rules, resulting in a severe haze that further diminished visibility across the city.

Delhi residents woke up to a grey, hazy sky on Tuesday as air quality dipped into the 'very poor' category. The heavy pollution followed Diwali celebrations, during which many burst firecrackers beyond the court-imposed two-hour limit.

Monitoring data from the Central Pollution Control Bureau indicated an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 352 by 8 am. Though the Supreme Court permitted only eco-friendly firecrackers within a set timeframe, non-compliance was widespread, severely impacting air quality.

The impact was evident across Delhi, where 36 out of 38 monitoring stations registered 'very poor' to 'severe' pollution levels. As the haze lingers, experts predict the air quality will degrade further in the coming days.